Mardi Gras time is here! The yearly event that lights up our harbour city a glittery glow and grants permission to dress up as much (or as little) as you want. Come out and paint the town rainbow in the most fabulous way we know-how. To celebrate we’ve rounded up the quirkiest, booziest and drag queen approved places to dine and enjoy this year’s parade. Yaass Queen – it’s your time to shine!

SCG

The actual Mardi Gras parade will be taking place at the SCG for the second year in a row. Theme nostalgia will see performances by Vanessa Amorosi and Darren Hayes, the parade is the main place to celebrate love and appreciate the people who paved the way for gay rights.

Buy tickets here

The Winery

A Surry Hills favourite is hosting an array of Mardi Gras events this year! Including the Big Gay Brunch hosted by Sydney drag royalty enjoy 3 fabulous courses and 2 hours of bottomless drinks. They’ll be live streaming the parade with drag queens June Richards, Tina Bikki & Danni Issues hosting the event.

Bookings are essential – Book here

Cuckoo Callay

Cuckoo Callay has unveiled a limited-edition Mardi Gras menu to really help you get your rainbow on! Featuring their oh so flamboyant French Toast dish, as well as the Shrimp Po’Boy paying homage to the parade’s origins in New Orleans.

Book here

The Beresford

The infamous pub off Oxford Street is hosting a Mardi Gras Queen Brunch! Including a shared 3 course meal, an Absolut Thirst Trap cocktail and a ticket to the Mardi Gras parade at the SCG. Option to watch the parade on the big screen which is first come first serve.

Bookings are essential – Book here

The IVY

The Sydney essential will be holding an after-party in their main room dance floor, with special guests such as Drag Race superstars Aquaria (USA) & Art Simone (AU).

Buy tickets here

Vic on the Park

This inner-west staple will host an epic Mardi Gras party hosted by Dollar Bin Darlings kicking off at 2pm with free entry all night long. Starting at 6pm, your afternoon bevvies will be followed by a live broadcast on their outdoor projector and live music from 9:30pm onwards. Expect DJ’s hitting the decks from 11:30 ‘til late.

More info here

The Imperial Hotel

The most fabulous pub in Sydney has a huge Mardi Gra lineup to enjoy, including a ‘The Adventures of Priscilla’ Drag N’ Dine package and a viewing party experience which entails an Italian grazing feast of canapes and pizza plus 5-hr bottomless booze.

Bookings essential – book here

Brick Lane Brewing limited edition ‘Loud & Proud’ pale ale

For those celebrating at home this year, Brick Lane Brewing has released a limited edition ‘Loud & Proud’ pale ale to enable people to spread a message of hope, love and inclusion. 100% of the process will be to the Pride Foundation Australia which is dedicated to building a society where all LGBTQIA+ people experience equality and inclusion. 

Purchase from ‘Loud & Proud’ pale ale here.